Wear It Well Book Summary - Wear It Well Book explained in key points
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Wear It Well summary

Allison Bornstein

Reclaim Your Closet and Rediscover the Joy of Getting Dressed

3.7 (112 ratings)
17 mins

Brief summary

Wear It Well by Allison Bornstein addresses the importance of personal style and how it can impact our confidence and overall wellbeing. It provides practical advice on finding our unique style and using it as a tool for self-expression and self-care.

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    Wear It Well
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    Resetting your closet

    In 2020, Allison Bornstein had been a fashion stylist in New York for over a decade. But it was the pandemic and lockdown that gave her true insight into the impact clothes have on us all. Allison saw that people everywhere were struggling to love themselves, their clothes, and feel comfortable with their closets.

    Allison realized that most people don’t see their closets as creative, expressive spaces, or recognize the link between loving their clothes and their confidence levels. But when you look good, you feel good. So how can you approach getting dressed in a healthier, more positive way?

    Start with this simple exercise to banish the negative voices we all have about our bodies and closets.

    Get a piece of paper and a pen, and sit comfortably in front of your closet. Now, take some deep breaths to ground yourself. Then, listen to what those negative voices are saying to you – maybe that you're too old or young for certain clothes, or that you don't have time to care about fashion. Write down whatever the voices say.

    Reflect on how believing these voices has impacted you. Then, throw that paper away. 

    Next, spend some time tuning into your relationship with your closet. Pay more attention to what makes you feel good when you get dressed. Tune into the styles, fabrics, and colors that light you up inside. This will help you see your closet as a supportive place full of possibility, not a source of anxiety.

    Finally, stop pursuing some idealized version of your appearance and start loving your unique self. Now, you’re ready to transform your closet into a space grounded in what's true for you, using the AB Closet-Editing System.

    First, pull out everything you wear regularly at the moment. Don't judge these clothes yet – just observe what your current go-to outfits are.

    Next, pull out everything you never wear. It doesn't matter why – if you haven't worn it recently, it goes in this pile.

    Now, sort your never-worn clothes into three piles. Pile One is clothes you'll never wear again – donate these. Pile Two is clothes you can't wear now but want to keep, like maternity clothes. Label these and put them into storage. Pile Three is clothes you love but don't know how to style – this pile represents opportunity.

    Make emotional overrides if needed, keeping pieces that spark creativity in you.

    Finally, organize your closet. Arrange your regulars and how-to-style piles by color or type, so you can see all your options at once. Do the same with accessories.

    With your closet reset, it's time to embrace the power of clothes for self-expression. Let’s explore that next.

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    What is Wear It Well about?

    Wear It Well (2023) is a guide to using fashion as a tool for self-discovery and self-expression. Discover your personal style using the Three-Word Method and AB Closet-Editing System, curate a wardrobe that reflects your authentic self, eliminate items that don't fit your lifestyle, and create sustainable looks by shopping your closet. 

    Wear It Well Review

    Wear It Well (2021) by Allison Bornstein is a compelling guide to creating a stylish and confident wardrobe that reflects your unique personality. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:

    • With its practical tips and advice, it empowers readers to curate a wardrobe that makes them feel good and confident every day.
    • By combining fashion expertise, personal stories, and interviews with style icons, the book offers a fresh and relatable perspective on fashion.
    • Its creative outfit ideas and suggestions for styling different pieces ensure that readers will never be bored with their wardrobe again.

    Who should read Wear It Well?

    • Fashion enthusiasts
    • People wanting to discover their personal style
    • Anyone who wishes getting dressed was easier and more fun

    About the Author

    Allison Bornstein is a stylist who empowers people to view fashion as a tool for self-expression and sustainability by tuning into their authentic needs. Bornstein found her passion for wardrobe consulting during the pandemic, through virtual sessions focused on helping people look and feel fantastic.

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    Wear It Well FAQs 

    What is the main message of Wear It Well?

    The main message of Wear It Well is how to cultivate a confident and authentic personal style.

    How long does it take to read Wear It Well?

    The reading time for Wear It Well varies by reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Wear It Well a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Wear It Well is a must-read for anyone looking to elevate their style. It provides practical tips and advice that can transform your wardrobe.

    Who is the author of Wear It Well?

    The author of Wear It Well is Allison Bornstein.

    What to read after Wear It Well?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Wear It Well, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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